My Complete Home Gym Setup: Everything You Actually Need
I train at a commercial gym most days, but life happens. Early meetings, sick kids, travel days—there are plenty of times when getting to the gym just isn't realistic.
That's why I built a home gym that covers all the bases without turning my garage into a CrossFit box. I use this setup about twice a week, and it's enough to maintain everything when I can't make it to my regular gym.
Here's exactly what I have, in order of importance, with total cost breakdown at the end.
The Essentials (Start Here)
Ab Roller - $19.98
Sounds basic, but this might be the most used piece of equipment I own. Core work is non-negotiable, and ab rollouts are one of the most effective exercises you can do. Takes up zero space, costs nothing, and actually works.
Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells (5-52.5 lbs) - $357
This is where home gyms become practical. Instead of racks of dumbbells taking up an entire wall, you get 5-52.5 pounds in two compact units. Dumbbell presses, rows, curls, shoulder work—this covers 80% of what most people need for upper body.
XMark Adjustable Bench - $2499
You need somewhere to press, and this bench is solid. Adjusts to flat, incline, and decline. No wobble. Pairs perfectly with the Bowflex dumbbells for a complete upper body setup.
The Next Level
Power Cage - $299
Once you're serious about home training, the cage is non-negotiable. Squat safely, bench press without a spotter, do pull-ups—it's the foundation of any real home gym.
Olympic Barbell - $65
Standard 7-foot Olympic bar. Nothing fancy, just solid and gets the job done for squats, deadlifts, and bench press.
Rogue Fitness Bumper Plates - ~$559 (for 260 lbs)
Quality plates that won't crack if you drop them. I have enough to load up to 260 pounds, which covers most home workout needs.
The Nice-to-Haves
Walking Pad - $259
For when you're on calls or just need to move. I use this more than I expected—it's easy to pull out, folds up for storage, and gets you moving without dedicating 45 minutes to cardio.
Foam Roller - $39
Recovery matters. This lives by the bench and gets used for mobility work between sets.
JBL Stereo - $119
Music matters. This thing is loud enough to fill a garage, portable enough to take anywhere, and lasts forever on a charge.
The Complete Setup: Total Cost
Essentials (Start Here): $2,876
Ab Roller: $20
Bowflex Dumbbells: $357
XMark Bench: $2499
Full Home Gym: $4,216
Everything above
Power Cage: $299
Olympic Barbell: $65
Bumper Plates: $559
Walking Pad: $259
Foam Roller: $39
JBL Stereo: $119
The Bottom Line
You can get started for under $3,000 with just the essentials. That's less than a year of gym membership, and you own it forever.
The full setup for $4,216 gives you everything you need to train seriously at home. No excuses, no driving, no waiting for equipment.
I'm not saying replace your gym membership. I still train at a commercial gym most days. But when life gets in the way—and it will—this setup means you never miss a workout.
Build it once. Use it forever.
Until next time,
Raleigh “Do You” Williams
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